Preparations

Well here it is again - Fall, the busiest time of the year for most folks, including yours truly. I am struck by how quickly the season changes in our high desert climate from warm sunny weather to crisp Autumn mornings. It hits me that Fall has arrived as I go on a cool morning walk with the dogs. I witness the subtle changes and color variations in the plant life. We'll spend the next couple of weeks scurrying around the garden and tending the flower beds, and prepping the hens for the long winter months ahead.

One of our giant pumpkins in the pumpkin patch

Our hens are really starting to lay eggs this Fall

I am in the throws of canning the garden goodies, and have a ways to go. Our tomatoes were plentiful this year, so lots of work is put into our home made spaghetti sauce and salsas. We just harvested our potatoes, beans and onions. Then it's on to cucumbers that I'll pickle, beets, jalapenos, carrots, squash and our great pumpkin harvesting. There is nothing quite as gratifying to a middle aged woman and her spouse, as growing and harvesting the endless bounty of veggies and fruit. I really wish I would have taken up gardening at a much earlier age. Guess I'm making up for it now.

Preparing to can more tomatoes 

 Meanwhile, the work continues to pour into our studio, as we receive a rush of new orders from customers. Russ is working on a Columbine order for a gift shop in Colorado, then it's on to a very large order of blown ball ornaments. (More on that in the October blog.) After that, another customized glass chess set. Then before we know it, all the Holiday rush will be upon us.

Prepping to make quantities of Columbine flower ornaments

Some of the Columbine order

Starting on an order of blown ball ornaments

It's good to be busy, and regain clarity and focus on what our goals should be for the coming holiday season. From what we can tell, it looks to be another active couple of months behind the torches. Meanwhile, we are taking the time to enjoy the Harvest Moon rising above us in our back yard, as it gives us yet another reason to love the season of Fall.

Harvest Moon rising in our backyard